GED2848

Gender and the cultures of control

Not offered in 1998

Dr G Tsolidis (coordinator), Dr A D Spaull, Associate Professor L B Angus

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an understanding of the ways in which institutional practice, particularly that related to teaching, helps to mediate power relations related to gender; how a range of issues, including leadership, unionism, organisational structures, policy and the law are gendered; a range of institutional practices with which they are engaged as workers and service providers in relation to these processes.

Synopsis This is an interdisciplinary subject which examines ways in which gender is constructed and represented with particular reference to organisational structures. While gender equity is a critical focus of the course, it will be considered in relation to both femininity and masculinity and the ways these develop in institutional cultures. The institutional culture of schooling will be explored, but discussion will also extend to other situations including nursing. Gender will be considered as it relates to the issue of control; for example how is gender used in the schooling process to structure control? How is the schooling process structured to control gender? Some of the specific issues which will be examined in the course include historical perspectives on women in the teaching and nursing professions; women in collective organisations such as unions; policies related to gender equity in education; legislation concerned with affirmative action and anti-discrimination; gender and styles of leadership and administration; women's ways of knowing; and notions of masculinity.

Assessment Research papers (3000 words): 90%
* Presentations: 10%

Recommended texts

Connell R Gender and power Allen and Unwin, 1987
Shakeshaft C Women in educational administration Sage, 1989